The sleeper Vande Bharat is being developed and rolled out by Indian Railways under the “Make in India” initiative, with manufacturing undertaken at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. Railway officials said the train is intended to replace traditional long-distance express services over time, combining higher speeds with modern onboard amenities.
Unlike the existing Vande Bharat trains, which operate with seating arrangements for short- to medium-distance travel, the sleeper variant features fully air-conditioned coaches with berths. The rake is expected to include a mix of first AC, second AC and third AC sleeper coaches, along with improved toilets, automatic doors, enhanced safety systems and advanced suspension for smoother night travel.
Railway sources said the sleeper Vande Bharat has been designed for a maximum operational speed of up to 160 kmph, subject to route conditions. Faster acceleration and deceleration are expected to significantly cut travel time on long routes, while energy-efficient systems will help reduce operational costs.
The move comes as Indian Railways seeks to upgrade passenger experience and attract travellers who currently prefer flights for overnight journeys. Officials noted that rising demand for comfortable night travel between major cities prompted the shift towards a sleeper configuration. The train is also expected to benefit business travellers, tourists and migrant workers who rely heavily on overnight rail services.
Trial runs and technical evaluations are being conducted to ensure safety, ride quality and reliability before the train is introduced into regular service. Railway authorities have indicated that the first operational routes will likely connect major metropolitan and high-density corridors, with more services to follow based on performance and passenger response.
Experts view the sleeper Vande Bharat as a strategic upgrade rather than a replacement for premium services like the Rajdhani and Duronto trains. Instead, it is expected to coexist with them, offering passengers an additional high-speed option with contemporary interiors and improved punctuality.
In the longer term, Indian Railways plans to induct multiple sleeper Vande Bharat rakes as part of its broader modernisation roadmap. Officials said feedback from initial operations will play a key role in refining design features and expanding the network.
With the introduction of the sleeper Vande Bharat, Indian Railways signals a shift towards globally benchmarked, technology-driven train services, positioning rail travel as a competitive, comfortable and time-efficient option for long-distance journeys.
